Rubber-dam construction for dental use



Oct. 26 1926;

C. L STOLOF F RUBBER DAM CONSTRUCTION FOR DENTAL USE Filed Sept. 4. 1924 *3? Fig.4.

2 F13. =%%4%Qo 6 2 1 {g I I ENTOR Patented 0a. 26, 1926.

ATE O ICE,

RUBBER-DAM CONSTRUQTION FOR DENTAL USE.

Application filed September 4, 1924.

This invention relates particularly to an improved construction and meansof application for rubber-dam as is used for dental operative Work. i

It is the function of rubber-dam, in dentistry, to isolate a particular tooth by forcing the rubber-dam to pierce over the cutting edge of that tooth, the rubber being forced down to snugly clasp the tooth about its neck, This permits the dentist to operate uponthe tooth without the interference of the saliva in the mouth, and at t lie same time shields all the surrounding anatomy of the mouth. As this rubber-dam is now constructed, which is inthe form of a flat sheet, when it is adjusted for use, the tendency, due to the inherent characteristic of rubber, is to cause a condition o f excessive tension to exist in that part of the rubber about the isolated tooth. The result is ditlieulty in obtaining the proper isolation of the objective tooth, with the consequent impediment in the operation thereon.

A prime object of this invention is to provide an improved type of rubber-dam for dental use, wherein a nipple-shaped protuberance formation of construction is utilized as the means for obtaining the desired isolation of an objective tooth, by permitting the rubber to arrange itself about the neck of the isolated tooth in a condition not under tension. A further object of this invention is the provision of an improved type of rubber-dam construction for dental use, embodying a nipple-shaped protuberance formation, thereby increasing the ease of applying the rubber-dam about the isolated tooth, and decreasing the opportunity for unintentional dislodgment and tearing of the rubber. A still further object of this invention is the provision of an improved nipple-shaped form of construction of rubber-dam for dental use, obviating the necessity of an assistant while manipulating and adjusting the rubber-dam in position.

Other objects and purposes of my invention will become apparent in the specification following, to be read with the accompanying drawing. wherein I have described and illustrated a particular and preferred embodiment of the improved and novel features of construction.

-referring to the drawing, in which similar Serial No. 735,330.

reference characters are used to indicate corresponding parts in the various views:

Figure 1 1s a perspective view showing the rubber-dam applied in position over the a particular form of construction, the rubber-dam 1, referringtohFig. 2, instead of being entirely of flat sheet section,is formed to possess a series of nipple-shaped protuberances 2, positioned in a close relationship one to the other. The number of these protuberances 2 to be formed in the series is arbitrary, though, under ordinary conditions just three would be made use of at one time i. e., one on each side of that one to be pierced by the tooth to be isolated. 1nasmuch as it is necessary to isolate as far as a right or left molar, the rubber-dam 1 should have formed sufiicient protuberances 2 to extend across the width of the tooth bite.

It is evident, that this protuberance formation should have the individual protuberances 2, positioned just as close one to the other as possible, corresponding to the close formation of the teeth in the mouth. Although, in the accompanying drawing, the protuberances 2 have been assumed all equal in size and symmetrical in shape, it may prove advisable to form several towards each end somewhat larger in size and more bulging in shape, to accommodate the molars. The preferable size of these protuberances 2, would be such as to snugly fit about the two teeth adjoining the isolated tooth, so as to cause no undue tension in the body of the rubber-dam, particularly in that area of the rubber surrounding the isolated tooth.

Furthermore, it may prove more suitable under particular conditions, to form the series of protuberanees 2, instead of in a straight line as illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in fashion of an arc of a circle, to approximate the arc of the tooth bite of the mouth. A suitable manner of forming these protuberances 2, Would be, referring to Fig. 2, in a single line series, extending laterally over a Width somewhat greater than the Width of the tooth bite.

It has been assumed, reference being had to Fig. 1, that the sheeting of rubber-dam 1 is to be used to isolate the upper left incisor 3, permitting this tooth to be operated upon by the dentist. The rubber-dam 1 is applied and adjusted as is ordinarily done, and the rubber is force-d over the incisor 3 so that the desired protuberance 2 is pierced.

1 Since an upper incisor, a centrally located tooth in the mouth, is chosen to be isolated, it is best to accordingly choose a centrally positioned protuberance 2, on the rubberdam. The protuberance adjoining on each side of the protuberance pierced, can then be readily adjusted to desirably encase, in this instance, the upper right incisor 4: as the righthand adjoining tooth, and the upper left lateral 5 as the left-hand adjoining tooth, Without any undue stretching of the rubber-dam, and With the proper fit about the isolated incisor 3.

When it is desired to isolate tWo or three or more teeth at a particular time, the procedure is similar to the instance described for the single tooth, i. e., the rubber-dam 1 is forced over the objective teeth so that each individual tooth pierces a corresponding individual protuberance 2.

Herein I have described and illustrated a practicalembodiment of my invention, and I Wish to set forth that modifications and changes in detail Will readily occur to those skilled in the art, Without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. Rubber-dam for dental use, comprising a rubber sheeting and a plurality of nippleshaped protuberances to cooperate with the individual teeth and formed integrally in a proximate relationship on the said rubber sheeting.

2. Rubber-dam for dental use, comprising a rubber sheeting and a plurality of nippleshaped protuberances to cooperate with the individual teeth and formed integrally With the rubber sheeting and positioned proximately on an arc of a circle in a lateral series.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 22nd day of August, A. D.,

CHARLES I. STOLOFF. 

